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Structural Optimization Methods and Applications, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Mechanical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 April 2025 | Viewed by 3753

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: topology optimization; composite structure optimization; multiscale structure optimization; level set
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
Interests: computational mechanics; structural and multidisciplinary optimization; multiscale modeling and computation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
State Key Laboratory for Alternate Electrical Power System with Renewable Energy Sources, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
Interests: topology optimization; concurrent design; material design; offshore wind turbine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With structural optimization, designers need to specify their objective and constraints, as well as the variables of the design problem; then, a structure is automatically generated with suitable performance, low cost and that is easy to manufacture. It is recognized as a powerful tool for solving demanding design problems and is used extensively in engineering. This Special Issue aims to cover topics including, but not limited to, the following:

  1. Structural optimization methods, numerical techniques, and engineering applications;
  2. Optimization methods for material or multiscale structures;
  3. Structural optimization involving nonlinearity, dynamic, and multiple physical fields;
  4. Structural optimization involving manufacturing issues;
  5. Structural design considering uncertainties.

Prof. Dr. Qi Xia
Dr. Hui Liu
Dr. Kai Long
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • topology optimization
  • material design
  • multiscale structure optimization
  • composite structure
  • computational mechanics

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 60730 KiB  
Article
Topology Optimization with Explicit Components Considering Stress Constraints
by Yubao Ma, Zhiguo Li, Yuxuan Wei and Kai Yang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 7171; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167171 - 15 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1171
Abstract
Topology optimization focuses on the conceptual design of structures, characterized by a large optimization space and a significant impact on structural performance, and has been widely applied in industrial fields such as aviation and aerospace. However, most topology optimization methods prioritize structural stiffness [...] Read more.
Topology optimization focuses on the conceptual design of structures, characterized by a large optimization space and a significant impact on structural performance, and has been widely applied in industrial fields such as aviation and aerospace. However, most topology optimization methods prioritize structural stiffness and often overlook stress levels, which are critical factors in engineering design. In recent years, explicit topology optimization methods have been extensively developed due to their ability to produce clear boundaries and their compatibility with CAD/CAE systems. Nevertheless, research on incorporating stress constraints within the explicit topology optimization framework remains scarce. This paper is dedicated to investigating stress constraints within the explicit topology optimization framework. Due to the clear boundaries and absence of intermediate density elements in the explicit topology optimization framework, this approach avoids the challenge of stress calculation for intermediate density elements encountered in the traditional density method. This provides a natural advantage in solving topology optimization problems considering stress constraints, resulting in more accurate stress calculations. Compared with existing approaches, this paper proposes a novel component topology description function that enhances the deformability of components, improving the representation of geometric boundaries. The lower-bound Kreisselmeier–Steinhauser aggregation function is employed to manage the stress constraint, reducing the solution scale and computational burden. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through two classic examples of topology optimization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Optimization Methods and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 4860 KiB  
Article
Structural Design and Static Stiffness Optimization of Magnetorheological Suspension for Automotive Engine
by Zhi Rao, Lingfeng Tang and Yifang Shi
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 6975; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14166975 - 8 Aug 2024
Viewed by 844
Abstract
In light of the limitation that passive suspension can only provide vibration isolation within a specific range, a magnetorheological suspension in extrusion mode was developed. The reliability of structural parameters was ensured through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, building upon traditional hydraulic suspension. [...] Read more.
In light of the limitation that passive suspension can only provide vibration isolation within a specific range, a magnetorheological suspension in extrusion mode was developed. The reliability of structural parameters was ensured through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, building upon traditional hydraulic suspension. A model linking static stiffness to the diameter of the upper extrusion plate, as well as the heights of the upper and lower liquid chambers, was established using Simulink as an evaluation index. The static stiffness performance of the magnetorheological suspension was then optimized using this model. Results indicate that while meeting the static stiffness requirements, the optimized Magnetorheological Suspension demonstrated a 29.22% increase in static stiffness (approximately 57.71 N/mm) compared to its previous state, validating the effectiveness of stiffness optimization for this system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Optimization Methods and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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30 pages, 5766 KiB  
Article
Reliability Optimization Design of Constrained Metamorphic Mechanism Based on the Augmented Assur Groups
by Qiang Yang, Hongxiang Zhang, Benqi Sun, Yuan Gao and Xin Zhao
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6524; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156524 - 26 Jul 2024
Viewed by 578
Abstract
In order to obtain stable and reliable configuration transformation ability, reliability optimization design is regarded as an effective way to reduce the probability of kinematic function failure for the constrained metamorphic mechanism. Based on the structural composition principle of multi-configuration source metamorphic mechanism [...] Read more.
In order to obtain stable and reliable configuration transformation ability, reliability optimization design is regarded as an effective way to reduce the probability of kinematic function failure for the constrained metamorphic mechanism. Based on the structural composition principle of multi-configuration source metamorphic mechanism that can operate in an under-actuated state, the modularized calculation methods are established for the force analysis of augmented Assur groups including metamorphic kinematic joints. According to the equivalent resistance gradient model of metamorphic mechanisms, with considering the uncertainties in the link dimensions, masses, and compliance parameters et al., a probabilistic evaluation method for describing the configuration transformation ability of the constrained metamorphic mechanism is established. Based on reliability evaluation and reliability sensitivity analysis, a reliability optimization design method for improving the configuration transformation ability is proposed, and then the optimization design is carried out for tolerances of random variables focusing on those structural parameters with higher reliability sensitivity, so that the optimized results can satisfy the requirements of both reliability and economic simultaneously. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the illustration of a paper folding metamorphic mechanism. The research provides the foundation of reliability design of metamorphic mechanisms to obtain the high-probability repeated execution ability of configuration transformation, it also has theoretical and practical significance to promote the engineering application of metamorphic mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Optimization Methods and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 2183 KiB  
Article
A Level-Set-Based Density Method for Buckling Optimization of Structure with Curved Grid Stiffeners
by Yifan Zhang, Ye Tian and Qi Xia
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5695; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135695 - 29 Jun 2024
Viewed by 612
Abstract
Curved grid stiffeners, compared to straight stiffeners, offer greater flexibility in adjusting the force transmission paths and give better structural performance. In this paper, a level-set-based density method is employed to generate layouts of curved grid stiffeners so that the critical buckling load [...] Read more.
Curved grid stiffeners, compared to straight stiffeners, offer greater flexibility in adjusting the force transmission paths and give better structural performance. In this paper, a level-set-based density method is employed to generate layouts of curved grid stiffeners so that the critical buckling load factor (BLF) of the stiffened structures is improved. During the optimization process, volume constraint is incorporated to control material utilization, and gradient constraints are employed to maintain uniformity in the width of the stiffeners. Finally, the proposed method is demonstrated through several numerical examples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Optimization Methods and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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